Dr KM Cherian Heart Foundation’s Frontier Lifeline Hospital recently conducted a discussion on ‘Koronaguard’ - a prospective preventive and supportive formulation proposed to fight against COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting was attended by Dr KR Jawaharlal and Dr R Govindaraj from Deputy Director of Health Department Tiruvallur District and Ramesh, DSP of Gummudipoondi Taluk. 

The discussion was initiated by Dr Cherian, Chairman & CEO, Frontier Lifeline Hospital, and the session was conducted by Dr Kavitha Govarthanan, Biotechnologist from IIT Madras. It was attended by Asst Drugs Controller of India – Dr P Manavalan, Dr K Ramu and Dr Krishnan – the innovators of this particular entity.

Dr Ramu explained the emulsification process and the formulation of this particular emulsifier which is a non-ionic surfactant called Polyoxyl Hydrogenated castor oil introduced by BSA. Its function is to reduce the interfacial surface tension between the fat and water and help to make an emulsion. 

Koronaguard contains virgin coconut oil which contains monolaurin, an excellent antiviral product. Apart from this, it also contains essential oils such as clove oil, cinnamon oil and peppermint oil which all have potent anti-fibrinolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. Koronaguard is available in three forms – nasal drops, liquid gargle and flavoured lozenges. The product travels through the same area that corona travels inside our body and is expected to help and attack the lipid layer of the corona and disintegrate the whole structure.

A recent study led by the Philippines Department of Science and Technology (DOST) revealed that suspected COVID-19 patients administered with virgin coconut oil (VCO) had reduced symptoms and a faster recovery phase compared to the control group.

Dr Cherian said, “We need to take care of the people in villages as they are less privileged. These simple and cheap options such as liquid gargle and nasal spray can go a long way in preventing the disease. The strawberry and orange flavoured lozenges will be favourite for children. This will be like oral polio vaccine administration. We should concentrate on covid infection and spread among children. Countries like China have already started vaccinating kids above the age of three in their country. China authorised the emergency use of Sinovac Biotech's coronavirus vaccine for children, becoming the first major country to do so for those as young as three.” 

At the end of the discussion, a proposal was put across to the relevant government authorities who were present for permission to conduct a clinical study at the covid centre of Tiruvallur district. Talks are underway to get approvals to start the trials.